Preoperative Wire Localization of the Breast on the Day Before Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and accuracy of preoperative wire localization performed one day prior to surgery and the relationship between the time interval following wire placement with migration distance within the time-window examined. METHODS: Two trials were performed with next-day mammography to assess migration. Trial 1 used a standard hooked wire (50 patients, 61 wires). Trial 2 employed a looped wire (50 patients, 59 wires). A third trial was subsequently performed (16 patients, 18 wires) using the looped wire without repeat mammograms. Complications were recorded. Comparative statistical analyses were performed between patients in Trial 1 and Trial 2. RESULTS: In Trials 1 and 2, no wires required readjustment on the day of surgery. Mean and maximum migration were less with the looped wire (range: 0-7 mm) compared to the hooked wire (range: 0-18 mm), allowing for the elimination of next-day mammograms in Trial 3. A Mann-Whitney U test showed no significant difference between the migration distances for the first two trials (P = 0.11). A Chi-square test showed no significant difference in the direction of the migration between the two trials (P = 0.15). There was no correlation between the time interval of localization and needle migration in the first two trials (r = -0.16, P = 0.22 and -0.12, P = 0.36). Specimen radiographs demonstrated the lesion/biopsy marker clip in all cases in all three trials. No infections or bleeding occurred. Two patients developed an allergic reaction to adhesive. CONCLUSION: Wire localization performed on the day before surgery is feasible, inexpensive, did not compromise accuracy, and successfully unlinked the radiologic and surgical procedures.

Use of Contrast-Enhanced MRI in Management of Discordant Core Biopsy Results.

OBJECTIVE. Evaluating concordance between core biopsy results and imaging findings is an integral component of breast intervention. Pathologic results deemed benign discordant reflect concern that a malignancy may have been incorrectly sampled. Standard of care currently is surgical excision, although a large percentage of these lesions will be benign at final pathologic analysis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether inclusion of contrast-enhanced MRI would optimize patient care. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Forty-five patients with 46 lesions were identified who underwent contrast-enhanced MRI after receiving discordant ultrasound or stereotactic biopsy results between 2012 and mid 2018. These findings were classified BI-RADS category 4 at diagnostic imaging. Disease-positive was defined as all malignancies and borderline lesions. RESULTS. Fourteen patients had suspicious MRI findings; 31 patients did not. Negative or benign MRI findings were validated by stability at imaging follow-up of at least 1 year in 27 patients (28 lesions) and at least 6 months in four patients. Eight of the total of 46 discordant lesions were ultimately malignant, a rate of 17.3%, an expected result for BI-RADS 4 lesions. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of MRI calculated in the group of 41 patients (42 lesions) with documented stability for at least 1 year were 100%, 93.3%, 85.7%, and 100%. The false-negative rate of MRI was 0%; the false-positive rate was 2 of 30 (6.7%). CONCLUSION. In the management of discordant benign core biopsy results, contrast-enhanced MRI facilitated successful triage of patients to surgery; 31 of the original 45 patients (68.9%) avoided surgery.

Clinical breast concerns in low-risk pediatric patients: practice review with proposed recommendations.

BACKGROUND: Fibroadenoma is overwhelmingly the most common pediatric breast lesion. Breast malignancy is quite uncommon in children, most frequently metastatic or hematological malignancy. Core biopsy has largely replaced excision for diagnosis of breast masses in adults. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is two-fold: (1) compare utilization at our institution of interventional procedures vs. surgery for breast mass diagnosis in patients ≤18 years and (2) propose guidelines for breast imaging and biopsy in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We extracted data for all patients ≤18 who, between 2004 and 2016, underwent either (a) imaging and/or intervention procedure, or (b) breast surgery, from the Radiology Information System and Pathology Data System, respectively. We recorded age, gender, imaging, procedure, lesion size and histopathology. RESULTS: We found 1,050 pediatric patients ≤18 years who underwent diagnostic breast ultrasound between 2004 and 2016. Of these, 168 patients underwent 199 interventional procedures. One hundred thirty patients underwent 160 core biopsies of solid lesions. Core biopsy pathology diagnosed benign lesions in 99%, of which 84.3% were fibroadenomas (n=135). One malignancy was diagnosed, B cell lymphoma. Two hundred three patients underwent surgical excision for 266 discrete lesions, and 89% were fibroadenomas. Seven benign phyllodes tumors were surgically diagnosed. No malignancies were diagnosed. CONCLUSION: Core biopsy in patients 18 years and younger is well-tolerated, has few risks, and is preferable to surgery in developing breasts, but the goal is to avoid any breast procedure whenever possible. We propose guidelines for pediatric breast imaging, follow-up, core biopsy and excisions.

Macroscopic lymphovascular invasion visualized on mammogram and magnetic resonance imaging: Initially misidentified as ductal carcinoma in situ but properly diagnosed by immunohistochemistry.

OBJECTIVES: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is a pathologic, microscopic finding associated with invasive cancer, and is a poor prognostic indicator, but has no reported imaging findings. This report presents the first documented case of LVI with seen by imaging. Linear branching microcalcifications were identified on mammography and clumped enhancement was noted on MRI, both imaging findings that are highly predictive of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). METHODS: Ultrasound guided core biopsy of the dominant mass was performed, confirming invasive ductal malignancy. Stereotactic biopsy performed on the microcalcifications was initially interpreted by pathology as DCIS. RESULTS: Patient underwent mastectomy. Pathologic evaluation of the surgical specimen confirmed the invasive ductal malignancy. Microcalcifications were re-evaluated with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and re-classified as LVI. Radiology images and IHC stains are shown. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of LVI identified by imaging with findings that mimicked DCIS and initially mis-identified as DCIS by pathology as well. The implications of this overlap in radiologic appearance are discussed.

Impact of the New Jersey Breast Density Law on Imaging and Intervention Volumes and Breast Cancer Diagnosis.

PURPOSE: Increased breast density is acknowledged as an independent risk factor for breast cancer and may obscure malignancy on mammography. Approximately half of all mammograms depict dense breasts. Legislation related to mandatory breast density notification was first enacted in Connecticut in 2009. On May 1, 2014, New Jersey joined other states with similar legislation. The New Jersey breast density law (NJBDL) mandates that mammography reports acknowledge the relevance and masking effect of mammographic breast density. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the NJBDL at one of the state's largest ACR-accredited breast centers. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to determine changes in imaging and intervention utilization and modality of cancer diagnosis after enactment of the legislation. Data for the present study were extracted from a review of all patients with core biopsy-proven malignancy at a large outpatient breast center between November 1, 2012, and October 31, 2015. Data were divided into the 18-month period before the implementation of the NJBDL (November 1, 2012 to April 30, 2014) and the 18-month period after passage of the law (May 1, 2014 to October 31, 2015). RESULTS: Screening ultrasound increased significantly after the implementation of the NJBDL, by 651% (1,530 vs 11,486). MRI utilization increased by 59.3% (2,595 vs 4,134). A total of 1,213 cancers were included in the final analysis, 592 in the first time period and 621 after law implementation. Breast cancer was most commonly detected on screening mammography, followed by diagnostic mammography with ultrasound for palpable concern, in both time periods. Of the 621 cancers analyzed, 26.1% (n = 162) were found in patients 50 years of age or younger. Results demonstrated that with respect to how malignancies were detected, age and average mammographic density were both statistically significant (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: The NJBDL succeeded in publicizing the masking effect of dense breasts. The number of supplemental screening ultrasound and MRI examinations increased after the implementation of this legislation. An efficacy analysis affirmed the high sensitivity of screening MRI compared with other modalities. The use of MRI increased core biopsy efficiency and reduced the number of biopsies needed per cancer diagnosed.

The Rightful Role of MRI after Negative Conventional Imaging in the Management of Bloody Nipple Discharge.

Nipple discharge is a frequent presenting complaint at breast clinics. Bloody nipple discharge (BND) has the highest risk of malignancy, albeit low. If mammogram and ultrasound are unrevealing, central duct excision (CDE) has been considered the gold standard in its management. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been widely confirmed as a highly sensitive test for detection of breast cancer, with an accompanying high negative predictive value. This article presents a retrospective review of patients with BND and negative conventional imaging, comparing outcome of patients who went directly to CDE without MRI to those patients who underwent preoperative MRI. Of 115 patients who underwent mammography and US alone prior to CDE, eight cancers were detected (seven ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS] and 1 IDC, 7 mm [T1b]; incidence: 7%). Of 85 patients who underwent conventional imaging followed by MRI prior to surgery, eight cancers were detected (all DCIS; incidence: 9.4%), seven of which were identified by MRI. The one false-negative MRI had subtle findings which, in retrospect, were misinterpreted; however, a clinically apparent nipple lesion prompted surgical biopsy. Of 56 patients with a negative or benign MRI, CDE was negative for malignancy in all but that one patient. Sensitivity and specificity were 87.5%/71.4%. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value (NPV) were 24.1%/98.2%. MRI should be performed in all patients with BND and negative conventional imaging. The extremely high NPV of MRI suggests that a negative study could obviate CDE in most patients unless overriding clinical factors prevail.

Transformation of benign fibroadenoma to malignant phyllodes tumor.

The transformation of a benign fibroadenoma into a phyllodes tumor is uncommon and unpredictable. We report the case of a 40-year-old woman with a core biopsy proven fibroadenoma that underwent transformation into a malignant phyllodes tumor after 3 years of size stability. We present ultrasound and magnetic resonance images, as well as pathology slides from core biopsy and surgical excision, to illustrate this transformation. It has been suggested that phyllodes tumors may be misdiagnosed as fibroadenomas by core biopsy. However, in this case, pathology supports correct initial diagnosis of fibroadenoma and demonstrates a portion of the original fibroadenoma along the periphery of the malignant phyllodes tumor.

The growing fibroadenoma.

BACKGROUND: Fibroadenomas (FAs) are the most common tumors of the breast clinically and pathologically in adolescent and young women but may be discovered at any age. With increasing use of core biopsy rather than excision for diagnosis, it is now commonplace to follow these lesions with imaging. PURPOSE: To assess the incidence of epithelial abnormalities (atypia, in situ or invasive, ductal or lobular malignancies) in FAs diagnosed by core biopsy and to re-evaluate the management paradigm for any growing FA. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the senior author's pathology results over 19 years identified 2062 nodular FAs (biopsied by ultrasound or stereotactic guidance). Eighty-three core biopsied FAs were identified which subsequently enlarged. RESULTS: Twelve of 2062 of core biopsied nodules demonstrated atypia, in situ, or invasive malignancy (ductal or lobular) within or adjacent to the FA (0.58%). Eighty-three FAs enlarged and underwent either surgical excision (n = 65), repeat core biopsy (n = 9), or imaging follow-up (n = 9). The incidence of atypia, in situ or invasive malignancy was 0/83 (0%). Two enlarging FAs were subsequently surgically diagnosed as benign phyllodes tumors (PT). CONCLUSION: Malignancy in or adjacent to a core biopsied FA is rare. The risk of cancer in a growing FA is even rarer; none were present in our series. FAs with abnormal epithelial abnormalities require excision. Otherwise, FAs without epithelial abnormality diagnosed by core biopsy need no specific follow-up considering the negligible incidence of conversion to malignancy. The breast interventionalist must know how to manage discordant pathology results.

An alternative approach for locating a mammographic lesion by ultrasound using a simple x,y coordinate system.

We present an accurate and reliable method for localizing a mammographic lesion by ultrasound using a simple coordinate system. It does not require special grid equipment or additional personnel. We use our system, step-by-step, on a sample patient and include appropriate image documentation. The nipple is the point of reference or "origin". The lesion is located on ultrasound using its x and y coordinates, which are the two distances from the nipple in the horizontal and vertical axes, measured with an ordinary ruler or caliper tool. The true distance from the nipple can also easily be measured and reported. Our method is reproducible and shortens ultrasound exam times to less than 10 minutes.

16 year experience with aspiration of noncomplex breast cysts: cytology results with focus on positive cases.

We performed a retrospective review of 5375 aspirations performed during the last 16 years of noncomplex cysts. Cytology results and outcomes following aspirations of simple and complicated cysts performed by the senior author at our institution were reviewed. Complex cysts with associated solid components which were core biopsied are excluded from this review. We present our data as the largest series to date performed by one breast radiologist at a single institution. Our data separate cysts with atypia or malignant cytology into those sampled concurrently with solid neoplasms and those which were isolated lesions. Various technical issues which have not been previously addressed in the literature are discussed. Noncomplex cysts are benign 99% of the time. Cysts with papillary cytology require no further workup. Margin-negative seromas do not require cytologic analysis of fluid. Sixteen malignancies were revealed (0.3%), eight of which were solitary cysts (0.1%). Atypical cytology predicted malignancy in 21%; therefore, atypical cytology requires further workup. Malignant cytology was associated with breast cancer in 90.9% of patients; therefore, all patients with malignant cytology require biopsy.

Retrieval of lost microcalcifications during stereotactic vacuum-assisted core biopsy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our report was to describe patients in whom calcifications in the breast that were unequivocally removed during stereotactic core biopsy using the Mammotome device were not detected on the initial specimen radiograph. The lost calcifications in each instance were subsequently found when the tubing and contents of the debris canister were strained through a nonadhering dressing and radiographed. Additional situations in which calcifications are not seen on the initial specimen radiograph are described and recommendations are made. CONCLUSION: When vacuum-assisted core biopsy procedures are performed, it is important to be aware of the possibility that calcifications may be aspirated into the debris canister, thus compromising the accuracy of the histopathologic diagnosis. We recommend changing the tubing and the debris canister after each procedure and, in certain situations, sending the strained canister contents to pathology for evaluation.